Portable carrying case

ABSTRACT

A portable carrying for transporting cosmetics, office tools and the like holds a series of desired implements in a ready to use position by providing a flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid, carrying case having an attachable surface thereon, which permits removably attaching at least one small item thereto, preferably using a hook and loop assembly.

[0001] This invention relates to a portable carrying case and more particularly to a portable carrying case adapted to provide easy access to office items, cosmetics, or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In this hectic world, portability offers great advantages. If an item or a series of items can be contained and transported simply, great advantage can be obtained. The container must, however, provide both ease of storage and access to the items contained therein, while sacrificing the desire of neither aspect. However, clearly these requirements work against each other. Ease of storage for a container holding a plurality of items requires a relatively small size. The small size works against ease of access. A larger size for a carrying case, which permits the holding or storage of a number of items, works against ease of storage.

[0003] Furthermore, the items within the container must have a specified position. In providing a rather small container, fixed positions are difficult to obtain. Additionally, holding a plurality of small items within such a container complicates the issue.

[0004] For example, a suitable cosmetic case requires items such as lipstick, eyeliner, rouge, powder, lotion, fragrance, and the like. While all of these items are available in small containers, no effective mechanism exists for efficient storing the items, while maintaining access thereto.

[0005] In order to have the access to these items, a container holding these items must have ease of storage, while providing accessibility to each item. Thus each item must have a set place in the container, and be easily removed therefrom or returned thereto.

[0006] If an office container is desired, the cosmetic items are replaced with office items. Typical of the office items are a stapler, a writing instrument, a note pad, a business cardholder and the like. The items also, as the cosmetic items must be, are required to be kept at the ready. No container exists to accomplish these features of maximizing the portability of the carrying case, while minimizing the size thereof, and, at the same, providing good access to the contents thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Among the many objectives of this invention is providing a portable carrying case for holding a plurality of small items.

[0008] A further objective of this invention is the provision of a portable carrying case with a positioning device.

[0009] Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a portable carrying case providing access to a plurality of small items.

[0010] A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a portable carrying case being foldable.

[0011] Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of a portable carrying case with a pouch.

[0012] Another objective of this invention is the provision of a portable carrying case having closable assembly.

[0013] Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a portable carrying case having improved utility.

[0014] Still, another objective of this invention is the provision of a portable carrying case capable of being rolled in order to close the same.

[0015] A further objective of this invention is the provision of a portable carrying case with a cover.

[0016] These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid, carrying case having an attachable surface thereon, which permits removably attaching at least one small item thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a flexible carrying case 100 of this invention, in closed position 120.

[0018]FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a flexible carrying case 100 of this invention, in open position 130, showing case storage side 132.

[0019]FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a flexible carrying case 100 of this invention, which is a reverse view of FIG. 2.

[0020]FIG. 4 depicts an exploded, perspective view of a semi-rigid carrying case 200 of this invention.

[0021]FIG. 5 depicts a front plan view of a semi-rigid carrying case 200 of this invention.

[0022]FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a semi-rigid carrying case 200 of this invention.

[0023]FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a closable carrying case 300 of this invention having a double door assembly 302.

[0024]FIG. 8 depicts a front, plan view of the closable carrying case 300 of this invention in closed position 302.

[0025]FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the closable carrying case 300 of this invention based on FIG. 8.

[0026]FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a hinged carrying case 350 of this invention.

[0027] Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The container provides various positioning points for individual items. Preferably, the holding mechanism for each of the positioning points is a hook and loop assembly. Mounted on the container is one side of the hook and loop assembly in either a continuous or discontinuance action. The other part of the hook and loop assembly is mounted on each item, for which support within the container is desired.

[0029] The container may be a flexible material, a rigid material, or a semi-rigid material. With a flexible material, it is possible to roll up the container in order to close the same and provide for easy storage. If the material is rigid or semi-rigid, the portable carrying may be completed by placing that material in a bag or other protective item for transportation. When use is desired, storage procedures may be reversed.

[0030] Any material may be used to form the portable carrying cases. An inexpensive material may be used to manufacture a utilitarian case. More expensive materials may be used for high fashion versions of the portable carrying case, whether the case is flexible, semi-rigid or rigid.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, flexible carrying case 100 includes flexible sheet 118 having a holding mechanism 122 mounted thereon. Clearly, the holding mechanism 122 is also flexible. In this fashion, when flexible carrying case 100 is rolled up, any article 124 may be contained therein.

[0032] Article 124 includes thereon a fixing device 126 adapted to be removably secured to holding mechanism 122. Fixing device 126 and holding mechanism 122 combine to provide rolled closure 128 (FIG. 1). A typical material for fixing device 126 is part of a hook and loop assembly, commonly available under the registered trademark VELCRO. Holding mechanism 122 and fixing device 126 may be of any suitable type. However, the hook and loop assembly available under the Registered Trademark VELCRO is preferred.

[0033] Flexible sheet 118 has holding mechanism 122 on storage side 132. Outside view 134 is oppositely disposed from storage side 132, and is visible when flexible carrying case 100 is closed position 120 in the form of rolled closure 128. Optionally, a clasp 136 on the edge of rolled closure 128 provides assistance in the opening and closing of the flexible holding device 100.

[0034] Flexible sheet 118 permits flexible holding device 100 to be placed any suitable position. For example, if flexible holding device 100 provides a cosmetic kit, flexible sheet 118 may be placed on the leg of the user (not shown) while in a seated position. Even a vehicle driving position is a possible user position for the flexible holding device 100. Holding mechanism 122 and fixing device 126 provide for keeping various cosmetic elements convenient to use.

[0035] Flexible holding device 100 is stored by rolling up flexible sheet 100, with articles or implements 124 inside. Flexible fastener 140 is of any suitable type. Typical of flexible fastener 140 is a snap assembly, a clip assembly, a hook and loop assembly (available under the registered trademark VELCRO). The hook and loop assembly is preferred for flexible fastener 140.

[0036] Clearly, flexible mirror 150 may be permanently or removably secured in flexible holding device 100 if desired. Most uses of flexible holding device 100 are anticipated to require a mirror.

[0037] With FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, semi-rigid case 200 is depicted. Semi-rigid case 200 includes a support stand 202. Extending upwardly from support stand 202 and is implement face 204. Implement face 204 also has one or more holding mechanisms 122 fixed thereon. With a fixing device 126 secured to various pieces of small office equipment or cosmetic elements, implement face 204, through holding mechanism 122, may receive fixing device 126 and whatever is secured thereto. Furthermore, while holding mechanism 122 is shown as a continuous strip in a preferred fashion, a discontinuous form of holding mechanism 122 is operable.

[0038] Support stand 202 is sufficient to hold implement face 204 in a desired position. Again, whatever implement, having fixing device 126 thereon is desired, may be easily accessed from implement face 204, used, and then replaced, any desired number of times. Support stand 202 may be solidly connected to implement face 204. Additionally, a mirror 322 may be secured to implement face 204 if desired.

[0039] Additionally, support stand 202 may be solid as shown; or movably connected to implement face 204, by a standard snap support (not shown). Such a snap support may permit support stand 202 to be moved parallel to implement face 204, in order to simplify storage and also may hold support stand 202 at an angle to implement face 204, in order to permit implement face 204 to stand at an angle and provide better access to or use of any implement 124.

[0040] Adjacent to the juncture of implement face 204 and support stand 204, on implement face 204 is arcuate holder 208. Arcuate holder 208 provides an elongated open member adapted to receive a tube such as lipstick or the like for a cosmetic case. A writing instrument, or the like, may be received in arcuate holder 208 for an office case.

[0041] If desired, semi-rigid carrying case 200 may be transported in pouch 210. Pouch 210 may be made of any suitable material. Pouch 210 includes a flexible container 212, without or with drawstring 214. Drawstring 214 facilitates opening and closing of flexible container 212. Likewise, drawstring 214 facilitates semi-rigid carrying case 200 being removed from or placed into pouch 210. Pouch 210 thus simplifies transport of semi-rigid carrying case 200.

[0042] Still, another modification of a carrying case, within the scope of this invention, is depicted in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 with the showing of closable carrying case 300. Closable carrying case 300 has a center support 304 for double door assembly 302. Center support 304 has a first door 306 secured by hinges 308 to a first side 310 thereof. Center support 304 also has a second door 312 secured by hinges 314 to a second side 316 thereof. Locking mechanism 318 secures first door 306 to the second door 312 and provides a fixed closure for closable carrying case 300.

[0043] Both first door 306, second door 312 and center support 304 may include framing members 320 around the edge thereof. Such a structure provides a bag for closable carrying case 300 and permits some more storage. Clearly fixing device 122 and a holding device 126 may be positioned therein appropriately. More particularly, fixing device 122 is positionable within framing members 320. Any item which does not exceed the side of framing members 320 may be secured therein so long as holding device 126 is present.

[0044] If desired, solid mirror 322 may be fixed therein if desired. In fact, solid mirror 322 or flexible mirror 150 may be placed or secured in any carrying case of this invention, as desired. Also, base stand 324 may assist holding solid mirror 322 and closable carrying case 300 at a desired angle of use 326. Preferably, angle of use 326 ranges from about five degrees to about 25 degrees from the vertical. More preferably, angle of use 326 ranges from about eight degrees to about 20 degrees. Preferably, angle of use 326 ranges from about nine degrees to about 14 degrees.

[0045] In FIG. 10, hinged carrying case 350 has a fixed base 352 to receive any desired item, whether cosmetics, office tools or the like. On fixed base 352 is holding mechanism 122. At one side of fixed base 352 is gusset 354. Mounted to gusset 354 is fixed cover 356. Standard latch assembly 358 connects fixed base 352 and fixed cover 356 in a releasable closed position and is oppositely disposed from gusset 354. Even mirror 322 may be secured therein if desired, as a preferred embodiment. Thus, hinged carrying case 350 provides a clutch type cosmetic case or the like.

[0046] Clearly implement 124 can be any desired tool storable on any device of this invention. Flexible carrying case 100, semi-rigid carrying case 200, closable carrying case 300, or hinged carrying case 350 store a plurality of implements 124. Each implement 124, stored therein, may be the same or different. If a cosmetic case is desired, implements 124 may be a desired selection of cosmetics. If a portable office case is desired, implements 124 may be a desired selection of office tools. Clearly implements 124 may be tools, baking ingredients, or the like. All that is required is that fixed device 126 be attached to each implement 124, which may in turn be mounted on holding mechanism 122.

[0047] This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure.

[0048] Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure. 

What is claimed and sought to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is:
 1. A portable carrying case adapted to provide easy access to a plurality of items, comprising: (a) the portable carrying case having a base and a holding mechanism; (b) the holding mechanism being secured to the base; (c) the holding mechanism being adapted to removably receive at least one article; (d) the at least one article being adapted to fit within the portable carrying case; (e) the portable carrying case having a closing means in order to contain the at least one article for transport; (f) the holding mechanism being adapted to removably receive a securing means, the securing means being mounted on a single member of the group consisting of the at least one article in order to removably position the at least one article on the holding mechanism; (g) the portable carrying case being openable in order to provide access to the at least one article for transport; and (h) the portable carrying case being closable in order to contain the at least one article for transport.
 2. The portable carrying case of claim 1 further comprising: (a) the base being formed of a flexible material; (b) the holding mechanism being formed of a flexible material; and (c) the holding mechanism forming part of a hook and loop assembly.
 3. The portable carrying case of claim 2 further comprising: (a) the flexible material being adapted for a rolled closure; (b) a closure device being mounted on the flexible material; and (c) the closure device being adapted to hold the flexible material in a rolled storage position.
 4. The portable carrying case of claim 3 further comprising: (a) the holding mechanism being a hook portion of the hook and loop assembly; (b) the closure device being a hook and loop assembly; and (c) a mirror being mounted on the flexible sheet.
 5. The portable carrying case of claim 1 further comprising: (a) the base being a semi-rigid case; (b) the semi-rigid case having a support stand and an implement face; (c) the support stand holding the implement face in an upright position; and (d) the support stand having at least one of the holding mechanism thereon.
 6. The portable carrying case of claim 5 further comprising: (a) the holding mechanism being adapted to receive at least one fixing device; (b) an angle of use providing a relationship between the support stand and the implement face; and (c) the angle of use ranging from about nine degrees to about 14 degrees.
 7. The portable carrying case of claim 6 further comprising: (a) a fixing device from the at least one fixing device being secured to at least one item selected from the group of at least one piece of office equipment and at least one cosmetic element; and (b) the fixing device providing storage and accessibility for the at least one item.
 8. The portable carrying case of claim 7 further comprising: (a) a mirror being secured to the implement face; (b) a movable means connecting the support stand to the implement face; and (c) the movable means providing a storage position and a use position for the implement face.
 9. The portable carrying case of claim 8 further comprising: (a) the movable means being a snap support; (b) an arcuate holder being on the implement adjacent to the snap support; and (c) a storage pouch being adapted to receive the portable carrying case.
 10. The portable carrying case of claim 1 further comprising: (a) a closable carrying case having a center support with a double door assembly mounted thereon; (b) the double door assembly including a first door and a second door; (c) the first door being connected to the center support at a first side of the center support; (d) the second door being connected to the center support at a second side of the center support; (e) the first side of the center support being oppositely disposed from the second side of the center support.
 11. The portable carrying case of claim 10 further comprising: (a) a first hinge connecting the first door to the first side of the center support; (b) a second hinge connecting the second door to the second side of the center support; (c) a locking mechanism securing the first door to the second door; (d) a mirror secured to center support; and (e) a framing device around at least one part selected from the group consisting of the first door, the second door; and the center support.
 12. The portable carrying case of claim 11 further comprising: (a) the base being a fixed base; (b) the fixed base having a closing cover connected therewith; (c) the closing cover having a first closing side and a second closing side; (d) the fixed base having a first fixed side and a second fixed side; (e) the first closing side being adjacent to the first fixed side; (f) the second closing side being adjacent to the second fixed side; and (g) a connecting means joining the first closing side to the first fixed side.
 13. The portable carrying case of claim 12 further comprising: (a) the connecting means being a gusset; and (b) a latch assembly releasably connecting the second closing side to the second fixed side.
 13. A portable carrying case adapted to provide easy access to a plurality of items, comprising: (a) the portable carrying case having a base and a holding mechanism; (b) the holding mechanism being secured to the base; (c) the holding mechanism being adapted to removably receive at least one article; (d) the at least one article being adapted to fit within the portable carrying case; (e) the portable carrying case having a closing means in order to contain the at least one article for transport; (f) the holding mechanism being adapted to removably receive a securing means, the securing means being mounted on a single member of the group consisting of the at least one article in order to removably position the at least one article on the holding mechanism; (g) the portable carrying case being openable in order to provide access to the at least one article for transport; (h) the portable carrying case being closable in order to contain the at least one article for transport; (i) the base being a rollable material; (j) the holding mechanism being a hook portion of a hook and loop assembly; and (k) the securing means being a loop portion of a hook and loop assembly.
 14. The portable carrying case of claim 13 further comprising: (a) a closure device being mounted on the flexible material; (b) a mirror being mounted on the flexible sheet. (c) the flexible material having at least one of the holding mechanism thereon; (d) the holding mechanism being adapted to receive at least one fixing device; (e) an angle of use providing a relationship between the support stand and the implement face; (f) a fixing device from the at least one fixing device being secured to at least one item selected from the group of at least one piece of office equipment and at least one cosmetic element; and (g) the fixing device providing storage and accessibility for the at least one item.
 15. The portable carrying case of claim 14 further comprising the holding mechanism being continuous.
 16. The portable carrying case of claim 14 further comprising the holding mechanism being discontinuous. 